Middle Eastern Hair Rituals

Meaning

Middle Eastern Hair Rituals represent a historical body of practices and natural ingredient applications, traditionally aimed at scalp health and hair vitality, which hold significant relevance for textured hair understanding. These methods, often passed through generations, prioritize gentle cleansing, deep conditioning, and protective sealing, principles highly beneficial for Black and mixed-race hair types prone to dryness and breakage. For systematizing care, these rituals offer a framework; consider the pre-wash oiling with argan or olive oil, akin to a structured preparatory step, safeguarding delicate strands before cleansing. Subsequently, the application of herbal rinses or masks, like those featuring henna or sidr, contributes to strengthening and moisture balance, forming an integral part of a comprehensive routine. The practical application for individuals with coily or kinky hair involves adapting these ancient insights: discerning which botanical extracts, such as amla for strengthening or rhassoul clay for gentle purification, align with specific hair needs. This thoughtful adaptation aids in building resilient hair, supporting length retention, and promoting overall scalp well-being, facilitating a personal connection to heritage through deliberate hair care choices.